Thursday, November 3, 2016

HEALTH CHECK: DOGS WITH GAS


WHAT IS CAUSING MY DOG TO BE GASSY?


AIR


EXCESSIVE BREATHING


Most gas comes from swallowed air. Certain breeds, called brachycephalic, will also swallow a lot of air due to the position of their noses.

EATING QUICKLY OR TOO MUCH


Dogs who eat quickly and/or who prefer to swallow their kibble without chewing, and those who overeat will often swallow a lot of air while eating.

DIET


INGREDIENTS IN DIET


Not all dog food and treats are created equal and may contain ingredients that are not highly digestible for dogs. If your dog gets table scraps or gets into the trash this can also lead to gas.

CHANGE IN DIET


Anytime you feed your dog something new there is potential for gas until their body adjusts. Food sensitivity to certain ingredients can also be the culprit.  

DISEASE


While your dog could simply suffer from gas and an upset stomach, it could also be something more complicated. Possibilities can range from intestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), worms lodged in the intestines, lymphosarcoma in the gastrointestinal tract, polyps in the intestinal tract, gastric ulcers, parasites, and inflammation of the intestines caused by a virus or failure of the pancreas. A particular cause for concern could be if the fart is followed by diarrhea or vomiting

HOW CAN I TREAT MY GASSY DOG AND PREVENT IT IN THE FUTURE?


EXERCISE


The easiest way to treat gas is to head outside and exercise. The fresh air and movement will help your dog’s intestinal motility and release those gas pockets. Even a short walk after meal time can help.

DIET


INGREDIENTS


Read labels carefully and opt for a high quality dog food with protein as the first ingredient instead of less digestible cereals. Food, treats and table scraps that contain lactose, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, beans, cabbage and bread can easily cause gas. If gas is still an issue your dog may have a food sensitivity to one of the ingredients, such as corn or chicken, so try removing certain ingredients from their diet, allowing ample time to switch food properly over the course of a week and evaluation time.

EATING QUICKLY OR TOO MUCH


Another option is to try feeding meals more frequently; up to three or four smaller meals, while keeping it the same amount of food. This gives the food a chance to breakdown in your dog’s system after each meal.

There are also raised bowls, treat balls, puzzles, and slow feeders on the market to help dogs take their time during meal time. The key here is to break up the eating and make your dog change position, even if it is just their head. Treat balls and puzzles are also great ways to bond with your dog during training to use these products.

VET VISIT


A trip to the vet for a check-up could help rule out more serious concerns and an opportunity to discuss your dog’s diet and healthy weight for their age, breed, and activity level. There are also plenty of treatments and prevention your vet can help you identify and prescribe if needed.